Your Doctorate with a Real-World Focus

In the PhD in Anthropology program, you will
improve your intellectual and practical skills and apply your research findings to
critical issues in contemporary society. You will
explore the major arguments shaping classic and contemporary debates in anthropological theory; use key ideas from these debates to plan archaeological and
anthropological research and analysis; present your research findings in written, oral, and visual presentations; and learn how to seek external funding for research. By experiencing the complete research process, you will
graduate prepared for your career as an anthropologist.

We provide
rigorous training in urban anthropology; ethnicity; the anthropology of work; the anthropology of development; language, culture and cognition; gender and culture; cross-cultural quantitative analysis; and historic and public archaeology. Drawing from archaeology, linguistic anthropology, biological anthropology, and cultural anthropology, your coursework will emphasize anthropology's
four-field tradition and utilize the cross-cultural and interdisciplinary resources within the College of Arts and Sciences and across the university.

Whether you concentrate on cultural/social anthropology or archaeology, you will
reach beyond the university to work on
real-world issues in the US and abroad, exploring policy-oriented questions as well as more traditional, academic themes. At the same time, you will find ample opportunities to
develop skills in public anthropology. You will graduate as a public intellectual doing relevant work to promote social justice.

Public Intellectuals Making a Difference

In our department, students train to be public intellectuals. Our alumni are very successful and can be found in university, private-sector, and government positions around the globe. Our graduates have gone on to teach at respected schools in the US, including Northwestern University, George Mason University, and the University of Iowa. They also teach internationally at schools such as the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

Other graduates work for government agencies like USAID and the National Park Service or for nonprofits like ACDI/VOCA, the Arkansas Archeological Survey, the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate. Wherever they go, AU doctors of anthropology are known for their first-rate educations, political savvy, understanding of policy issues, and commitment to social justice.

Active and Engaged Faculty Mentors

Our faculty consists of cutting-edge,
widely published scholars with a broad variety of research interests and exceptional strengths in public anthropology. Although they are respected leaders in academia, their work
reaches beyond the university as they engage in
archaeology, activism, and advocacy worldwide.

Our professors are dedicated to your success and provide
personal attention and support to all students. Upon admission, you will be matched with a faculty advisor who will provide
guidance and mentorship throughout your doctoral program by helping you design your program of study; choose your dissertation topic, field site, and research methods; analyze data; produce your final dissertation; and make important career choices.

Opportunities For Change In The Capital City

Washington, DC, offers
unlimited resources for practical learning, research, networking, and employment opportunities. Many graduates find fulfilling work with area museums, government agencies, and private institutions.

Our
strategic DC location gives students access to the federal government, museums, think tanks, institutions, and national and international policymakers. Graduate students can present their own scholarship and build their professional networks at anthropology conferences at AU and nearby universities.

Our students
distinguish themselves through their service, leadership, and ability to rethink global and domestic challenges. In DC, there are countless ways for you to get involved and
make a difference in the world around you.

Public Intellectuals Making a Difference

In our department, students
train to be public intellectuals. Alumni are very successful and can be found in university, private-sector, and government positions around the globe. Our graduates have gone on to teach at
respected schools in the US, including Northwestern University, George Mason University, and the University of Iowa. They also
teach internationally at schools such as the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

Other graduates work for government agencies like USAID and the National Park Service or for nonprofits like ACDI/VOCA, the Arkansas Archeological Survey, the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, and Historic Mount Vernon. Wherever they go, AU doctors of anthropology are
known for their first-rate educations, political savvy, understanding of policy issues, and commitment to social justice.